History 1990-1999

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Electrolux Screenfridge

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1990

Outdoor products extends its range by acquiring the US company, Allegretti & Co., which manufactures products such as battery-driven garden tools.

1991

The Hungarian white-goods company Lehel is acquired.

The ”Low-Energy Refrigerator” is launched. It halves energy consumption for the user.

Robotic vacuum cleaners from the US company, Kent, for commercial use in hospitals, airports, etc., are introduced on the US market.

Electrolux sells most of the commercial service business area.

Hans Werthén resigns as Chairman of the Board. Anders Sharp becomes new chairman and CEO. Leif Johansson is appointed president.

1992

Electrolux buys 10% of AEG’s household appliances division with an option on a further 10%.

The Group publishes its environmental policy.

Fifty-fifty joint venture with Raufoss Plastal Components.

1993

Totally CFC-free refrigerators are launched. Gotthard Nilson succeeds in completely recycling a refrigerator in a closed system.

Acquisition of further 10% of AEG’s appliances division takes place, and opening of negotiations to take over remaining shares. Group sales exceed SEK 100 billion.

1994

The Electrolux Group celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Electrolux sells its shares in Autoliv through a public offering and the shares are listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

1996

Electrolux strengthens its position on the South American market by acquiring the second-largest white goods manufacturer in Brazil, Refripar, which later becomes Electrolux do Brasil.

1997

The Group begins a two-year restructuring program with the purpose of improving profitability. Streamlining of Group operations begins, with the divestment of the industrial products sector and production of sewing machines, agricultural implements and interior decoration equipment.

Michael Treschow is appointed president and CEO.

1998

The Group continues restructuring, with divestment of operations in recycling, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, professional cleaning equipment and heavy-duty laundry equipment.

A new brand policy is adopted to focus resources on a smaller number of large and well-defined brands.

1999

The restructuring program that was started in 1997 is essentially completed. It has involved personnel cutbacks totalling about 11,000 and the shutdown of 23 plants and 50 warehouses. Streamlining of the Group continues with the divestment of operations in food and beverage vending machines, and the major part of the direct sales operation. An agreement is also reached for the divestment of professional refrigeration equipment.

An agreement is signed with Toshiba of Japan for cooperation in household appliances. Electrolux also forms a jointly owned company with Ericsson that develops products and services for the networked home.

The Group’s head office moves from Lilla Essingen, Stockholm, where it has been located for more than 30 years, to larger premises in Stadshagen, in the same town.

Electrolux presents Screenfridge, a concept for an “intelligent refrigerator.” Screenfridge features a number of functions that are completely new for a refrigerator, including tracking the contents of various compartments, suggesting recipes, enabling shopping on the Internet, and serving as a family communication center with e-mail or video messaging as well as a monitor in a home security system.